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Chinois Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 80 reviews

Chinois Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast, crunchy Napa cabbage, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and mandarin oranges, all tossed in a creamy Asian-inspired dressing. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh vegetables, protein, and a tangy-sweet dressing for a satisfying and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salad

  • 6 cups shredded Napa cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup crispy wonton strips (or chow mein noodles)
  • 1/4 cup mandarin orange segments, drained well

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, perfect for salad integration.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth and creamy. Adjust taste as needed for your desired balance of flavors.
  5. Chill the Dressing: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
  6. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to create a crunchy and fresh salad base.
  7. Add Chicken and Dressing: Incorporate the shredded chicken into the vegetable mix. Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and chicken, then gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  8. Add Crunch and Fruits: Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds, toasted sesame seeds, crispy wonton strips (or chow mein noodles), and mandarin orange segments over the top for added texture and citrus brightness.
  9. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and refreshing flavors at their best.

Notes

  • For a different protein, grilled shrimp or tofu can substitute the chicken.
  • To save time, rotisserie chicken can be used instead of cooking chicken breasts.
  • Adjust honey and red pepper flakes to preference for sweetness and heat levels.
  • Wonton strips can be replaced with crunchy chow mein noodles or fried wonton strips for texture variation.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain crispness.

Find it online: https://ameliameals.com/chinois-chicken-salad-recipe/